Sedentary BehaviorESNCT07691567
Exercise Snacks and Muscular Fitness in Sedentary Young Women
A study testing Exercise Snacks and Regular Exercise in people with Sedentary Behavior and Muscle Strength, run by Chongqing Normal University at 1 site in China.
Trial summary
This randomized controlled study examined whether exercise snacks could improve skeletal muscle strength and related physical fitness in sedentary female university students. Eligible participants were sedentary women aged 18 to 25 years who were randomly assigned to an exercise snacks group, a regular exercise group… Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 25 years, women onlyHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Sedentary Behavior, Muscle Strength
- What is being tested?
- Exercise Snacks and Regular Exercise
- Type of treatment
- Lifestyle or therapy programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 90 participants
- Where
- 1 siteChina
- Study dates
- 20 Apr 2026to 25 Jun 2026
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 to 25 years
- Women only
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Female university students aged 18 to 25 years.
- Daily sedentary time of at least 8 hours, assessed using a sedentary behavior questionnaire.
- No contraindications to exercise based on the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire.
- No regular exercise participation during the previous 3 months.
Who cannot join
- Clinical conditions that make participation in exercise inappropriate.
- Substantial body weight fluctuation during the previous 3 months.
- Hypertension, cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disease, or use of related medications.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
China1 site
Chongqing Normal University
Chongqing, Chongqing Municipality, 401331
About this study
Official title: Effects of a 75-Minute Weekly Exercise Snack on Muscular Fitness in Sedentary Young Women
This randomized controlled study examined whether exercise snacks could improve skeletal muscle strength and related physical fitness in sedentary female university students. Eligible participants were sedentary women aged 18 to 25 years who were randomly assigned to an exercise snacks group, a regular exercise group, or a control group. The intervention lasted 8 weeks. The exercise snacks group accumulated short bouts of exercise across the day, while the regular exercise group completed more concentrated exercise sessions three times per week. The control group maintained their usual lifestyle. Muscle strength and related physical fitness were assessed before and after the intervention. The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness, feasibility, and safety of exercise snacks in a university setting.
Read the detailed description
Sedentary behavior is common among university students and may contribute to reduced physical fitness and lower skeletal muscle function. Exercise snacks are short bouts of physical activity performed repeatedly throughout the day and may offer a time-efficient strategy for interrupting prolonged sitting.
This single-center randomized controlled study was conducted at Chongqing Normal University. Sedentary female university students aged 18 to 25 years were screened for eligibility. Participants completed baseline assessments and were randomly allocated to an exercise snacks group, a regular exercise group, or a control group.
The intervention lasted 8 weeks. The exercise snacks group performed short exercise bouts distributed throughout the day, with a total weekly exercise volume of approximately 75 minutes. The regular exercise group performed exercise three times per week, with each session lasting approximately 25 minutes. Both intervention groups received exercise guidance, reminders, adherence monitoring, and ratings of perceived exertion through the Tizhiyun mobile application. The control group maintained their usual study and lifestyle routines without additional study-prescribed exercise.
Primary outcomes included isokinetic muscle strength, surface electromyography, and mid-thigh isometric pull performance. Secondary outcomes included standing long jump, knee push-ups, and bodyweight squats to exhaustion. Outcome assessments were conducted at baseline and after the 8-week intervention. Adherence, perceived exertion, and exercise-related adverse events were recorded during the study period.
- Conditions
- Sedentary Behavior, Muscle Strength
- Being tested
- Exercise Snacks, Regular Exercise
- Keywords
- Exercise Snacks, Sedentary Female University Students, Physical Activity
- Medical subject headings
- Sedentary Behavior, Motor Activity
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Exercise SnacksBehavioural
Participants performed an 8-week exercise snacks program consisting of short bouts of physical activity distributed across the day. The program was performed 7 days per week, with approximately 75 minutes of exercise per week. Participants completed approximately 11 minutes of short exercise on weekdays and 10 minutes on weekends. Exercise guidance, reminders, adherence monitoring, and ratings of perceived exertion were provided through the Tizhiyun mobile application.
Regular ExerciseBehavioural
Participants performed an 8-week regular exercise program. Exercise sessions were completed three times per week on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, with each session lasting approximately 25 minutes. Exercise guidance, reminders, adherence monitoring, and ratings of perceived exertion were provided through the Tizhiyun mobile application.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Exercise Snacks Group | Experimental | Participants received the exercise snacks intervention for 8 weeks. Exercise was accumulated through short bouts distributed across the day, with a total weekly exercise volume of approximately 75 minutes. Participants completed approximately 11 minutes of exercise on weekdays and 10 minutes on weekends. Exercise guidance, reminders, adherence monitoring, and ratings of perceived exertion were provided through the Tizhiyun mobile application. Receives: Behavioral: Exercise Snacks |
| Regular Exercise Group | Active comparator | Participants received a regular exercise intervention for 8 weeks. Exercise was completed three times per week, with each session lasting approximately 25 minutes. Receives: Behavioral: Regular Exercise |
| Usual Lifestyle Control Group | No intervention | Participants maintained their usual study and lifestyle routines during the 8-week study period and did not receive additional study-prescribed exercise. |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Isokinetic Muscle Strength
Isokinetic muscle strength was assessed using an isokinetic dynamometer during standardized testing. Change from baseline to post-intervention was evaluated.
Measured: Baseline and Week 8
Surface Electromyography Activity
Surface electromyographic activity was recorded during standardized muscle strength testing to evaluate neuromuscular activation.
Measured: Baseline and Week 8
Mid-Thigh Isometric Pull
Maximal force generated during a standardized mid-thigh isometric pull test was assessed to evaluate whole-body isometric strength.
Measured: Baseline and Week 8
Secondary outcomes (3)
Standing Long Jump
Standing long jump distance was assessed using a standardized test of lower-body explosive performance.
Measured: Baseline and Week 8
Knee Push-Ups
The number of correctly completed knee push-up repetitions was assessed using a standardized muscular endurance test.
Measured: Baseline and Week 8
Bodyweight Squats to Exhaustion
The number of correctly completed bodyweight squats performed to volitional exhaustion was assessed as an indicator of lower-body muscular endurance.
Measured: Baseline and Week 8
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted9 Jul 2026
- Study start20 Apr 2026
- Primary completion25 Jun 2026
- Study completion25 Jun 2026
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Sedentary BehaviorStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Other
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Model description
- Participants were randomly assigned in a 1:1:1 ratio to an exercise snacks group, a regular exercise group, or a usual lifestyle control group. The three groups were followed concurrently for 8 weeks. Outcome assessments were conducted at baseline and at the end of the intervention.
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 90 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Chongqing Normal University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Ziren Zhao, Chongqing Normal University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07691567
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- CSK2026051
- Acronym
- ES
- Status last verified
- Jul 2026
- First submitted
- 2 Jul 2026
- Last updated
- 9 Jul 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No: De-identified individual participant data will not be shared outside the research team because the current informed consent and data management plans limit the use of participant data to this study and do not include external data sharing.
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 9 Jul 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effects of a 75-Minute Weekly Exercise Snack on Muscular Fitness in Sedentary Young Women
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07691567
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- ES / CSK2026051
- Conditions
- Sedentary Behavior, Muscle Strength
- Keywords
- Exercise Snacks, Sedentary Female University Students, Physical Activity
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 90 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Chongqing Normal UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 20 Apr 2026 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 25 Jun 2026 (actual)
- Study completion
- 25 Jun 2026 (actual)
- First posted
- 9 Jul 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
This randomized controlled study examined whether exercise snacks could improve skeletal muscle strength and related physical fitness in sedentary female university students. Eligible participants were sedentary women aged 18 to 25 years who were randomly assigned to an exercise snacks group, a regular exercise group, or a control group. The intervention lasted 8 weeks. The exercise snacks group accumulated short bouts of exercise across the day, while the regular exercise group completed more concentrated exercise sessions three times per week. The control group maintained their usual lifestyle. Muscle strength and related physical fitness were assessed before and after the intervention. The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness, feasibility, and safety of exercise snacks in a university setting.
Detailed description
Sedentary behavior is common among university students and may contribute to reduced physical fitness and lower skeletal muscle function. Exercise snacks are short bouts of physical activity performed repeatedly throughout the day and may offer a time-efficient strategy for interrupting prolonged sitting.
This single-center randomized controlled study was conducted at Chongqing Normal University. Sedentary female university students aged 18 to 25 years were screened for eligibility. Participants completed baseline assessments and were randomly allocated to an exercise snacks group, a regular exercise group, or a control group.
The intervention lasted 8 weeks. The exercise snacks group performed short exercise bouts distributed throughout the day, with a total weekly exercise volume of approximately 75 minutes. The regular exercise group performed exercise three times per week, with each session lasting approximately 25 minutes. Both intervention groups received exercise guidance, reminders, adherence monitoring, and ratings of perceived exertion through the Tizhiyun mobile application. The control group maintained their usual study and lifestyle routines without additional study-prescribed exercise.
Primary outcomes included isokinetic muscle strength, surface electromyography, and mid-thigh isometric pull performance. Secondary outcomes included standing long jump, knee push-ups, and bodyweight squats to exhaustion. Outcome assessments were conducted at baseline and after the 8-week intervention. Adherence, perceived exertion, and exercise-related adverse events were recorded during the study period.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Other
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 3
- Model description
- Participants were randomly assigned in a 1:1:1 ratio to an exercise snacks group, a regular exercise group, or a usual lifestyle control group. The three groups were followed concurrently for 8 weeks. Outcome assessments were conducted at baseline and at the end of the intervention.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Exercise Snacks Group | Experimental | Behavioral: Exercise SnacksParticipants received the exercise snacks intervention for 8 weeks. Exercise was accumulated through short bouts distributed across the day, with a total weekly exercise volume of approximately 75 minutes. Participants completed approximately 11 minutes of exercise on weekdays and 10 minutes on weekends. Exercise guidance, reminders, adherence monitoring, and ratings of perceived exertion were provided through the Tizhiyun mobile application. |
| Regular Exercise Group | Active comparator | Behavioral: Regular ExerciseParticipants received a regular exercise intervention for 8 weeks. Exercise was completed three times per week, with each session lasting approximately 25 minutes. |
| Usual Lifestyle Control Group | No intervention | –Participants maintained their usual study and lifestyle routines during the 8-week study period and did not receive additional study-prescribed exercise. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 25 years
- Sex
- Female only
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (4 listed)
- Female university students aged 18 to 25 years.
- Daily sedentary time of at least 8 hours, assessed using a sedentary behavior questionnaire.
- No contraindications to exercise based on the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire.
- No regular exercise participation during the previous 3 months.
Key exclusion criteria (3 listed)
- Clinical conditions that make participation in exercise inappropriate.
- Substantial body weight fluctuation during the previous 3 months.
- Hypertension, cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disease, or use of related medications.
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Exercise SnacksParticipants performed an 8-week exercise snacks program consisting of short bouts of physical activity distributed across the day. The program was performed 7 days per week, with approximately 75 minutes of exercise per week. Participants completed approximately 11 minutes of short exercise on weekdays and 10 minutes on weekends. Exercise guidance, reminders, adherence monitoring, and ratings of perceived exertion were provided through the Tizhiyun mobile application. | Behavioural | Exercise Snacks Group |
| Regular ExerciseParticipants performed an 8-week regular exercise program. Exercise sessions were completed three times per week on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, with each session lasting approximately 25 minutes. Exercise guidance, reminders, adherence monitoring, and ratings of perceived exertion were provided through the Tizhiyun mobile application. | Behavioural | Regular Exercise Group |
Primary outcome
Isokinetic Muscle Strength
Time frame: Baseline and Week 8
Isokinetic muscle strength was assessed using an isokinetic dynamometer during standardized testing. Change from baseline to post-intervention was evaluated.
Surface Electromyography Activity
Time frame: Baseline and Week 8
Surface electromyographic activity was recorded during standardized muscle strength testing to evaluate neuromuscular activation.
Mid-Thigh Isometric Pull
Time frame: Baseline and Week 8
Maximal force generated during a standardized mid-thigh isometric pull test was assessed to evaluate whole-body isometric strength.
3 secondary outcomes
Standing Long Jump
Time frame: Baseline and Week 8
Knee Push-Ups
Time frame: Baseline and Week 8
Bodyweight Squats to Exhaustion
Time frame: Baseline and Week 8
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 9 Jul 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No. De-identified individual participant data will not be shared outside the research team because the current informed consent and data management plans limit the use of participant data to this study and do not include external data sharing.
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
The record lists no contact. Use the official record to reach the sponsor.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Exercise Snacks and Regular Exercise in people with Sedentary Behavior and Muscle Strength, run by Chongqing Normal University at 1 site in China.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 4 inclusion and 3 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 9 Jul 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in China. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Isokinetic Muscle Strength (time frame: Baseline and Week 8). The study lists 3 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 9 Jul 2026.